Holmes County Herald sold

LEXINGTON – Longtime publishers and owners of the Holmes County Herald newspaper, Bruce and Libby Hill, officially relinquished their roles on Thursday, March 8 to Shoccoe Media, LLC as new owner of Holmes County’s longest operating news publication.

The Holmes County Herald printed its first issue on January 22, 1959 under the ownership of the Holmes County Publishing Company with Chester Marshall serving as editor. In October 1960, Jack Shearer became the editor. He served until November 1962 when Paul Tardy became the editor. Tardy assumed ownership in 1965.

On March 18, 1970, the ownership of the Herald changed to East Holmes Publishing Enterprises, Inc., with Bruce and Libby Hill becoming sole stockholders.

“After spending more than half of our lives living in Holmes County and publishing the Holmes County Herald, we move on with mixed emotions,” said the Hills in a joint statement. “On the one hand it is like marrying off your only daughter; turning over your 'baby' to another to care for her. While, on the other hand, we see how new life can be put into the old with new ownership and new vision.

“We are thankful for the wonderful memories acquired over a period of 48 years; living and working alongside the people of Holmes County,” the Hills continued. “For the most part, our three children grew up in the county and our entire family have made many life-long friends.

“Thanks for the memories of the people who stood alongside of us as we took over the reins of the Herald in March 1970. Without their advice, assistance and support, our years of serving Holmes County would have been short-lived.

“We also are thankful for the memories of the many people who assisted us in the day-to-day operation of the Herald that included high school students, adults who worked part-time and several faithful employees with 15 years or more tenure. And we are thankful for the many people who served the Herald as local correspondents to keep the rest of us informed on the news and events in their towns.

“Thanks for the memories of the businesses who faithfully supported the Herald over the past 48 years and the faithful subscribers; without whom there would be no Holmes County Herald.

“Finally, we pray for Shoccoe Media, LLC, the new owners of the Holmes County Herald,” the Hills added. "We pray that they will find the same kind of support from the community that we have enjoyed. We pray for their vision of what the Herald can be in the future as a continuing source of news and events that make up the daily lives of Holmes Countians.”

Representatives for Shoccoe Media, LLC, released a statement Monday.

“We look forward to continuing the long history of serving this community and all its patrons.”